Need an excuse to go shopping? We have 10!

Last week we filled a custom made order for a bag. The realisation didn't hit me until after I received their thanks back for the gift. I knew the gift was for a present and that there was a particular date it was required by. I knew that cotton was perfect as was the preference for recycled fabric. I thought it was a birthday gift from husband to wife.
Instead I found out it was a 2nd Wedding Anniversary Gift. The traditional gift for 2nd Anniversaries is cotton. A bag was perfect. Our client looked at the styles of bags available and then the fabrics - choosing a bold retro print in a Grandma's tote style with bamboo handles:

The retro print came from a 70's cicular linen tablecloth. The fabric was cut with the grain so the design differs from the front and back of the bag. It was great to have had some recycled handles in my stash - ready to go.

Co-ordinating tan stripe on white sheeting (also recycled) was chosen for the lining - along with 3 pockets: pen/iphone/wallet, rickrack keyloop (the only new component) and vintage button trim. We called it the Burnt Retro Grandma's Tote.

Of course Bessie bags are perfect for 2nd anniversaries (as are our homewares and other ranges), especially for discerning consumers trying to reduce their eco-footprint. We also have some gorgeous contemporary cottons.
Even better news - Bessie bags are perfect for more anniversary presents:
3rd (Traditional)  Leather - we can source recycled handles for your fabric bag.
4th (Traditional)  Fruit and Flowers - why not buy something longlasting? A floral handbag (check out our vintage fabrics - there are loads of florals to chose from.)
5th (Traditional) Wood - we have some beautiful wooden handles sourced from op shops.
6th (Modern) Wood
7th (Traditional) Wool - some of our vintage fabrics are wool. Go for tweed or plaid.
8th (Modern) Linen and Lace - plenty of linen in stock as well as lace lined doilies (an example of how lace is incorporated in one of our latest designs.
9th (Modern) Leather
12th (Traditional) Silk/Linen - lots of silks too!
13th (Traditional) - Lace
So, 10 reasons to purchase a vintage fabric bag. On the otherhand,  because they can be eco-friendly and gorgeous - do you really need a reason?

Pastels are for big girls too!

New towel: present for a new baby girl. Pink broderie anglaise applique.



New patchwork tote. Old and New fabrics called Big girls like pastels too. I considered selling it before it was made, but when Kate loved it too, I realised we had to have it. It will be mother - daughter shared.



Salvaged wooden rings from an op shop. Bias trim is brand new.



Corduroy sides and handles -my recycled cord jeans that I wore to bits. I love it that I can still wear it.



Old and new - salvaged embroidery, contemporary floral prints, plains from my stash and a gorgeous vintage "midcentury" pastel plastered tablecloth.



Kate plans to use it as an overnighter (It's big) and it will be perfect for work and play for me ;).

Vintage barkcloth salvaged for modern living

One of my favourite fabrics - vintage barkcloth rescued from an op shop - all torn up ready for rags. This Kokeshi bag has been reinforced with firm interfacing and lined with a repurposed calico curtain.

I love these vintage buttons as well. Probably older than the fabric itself! You can see the texture of the barkcloth from the cloe up photo below. How could someone dreamed of using it for cleaning!

I already own a Marbella (hobo style) bag made from this fabric, but I am glad I still have a few salvaged pieces left - it makes such a vibrant tote.

Calypso Drawstring

The latest little ditty bag - a drawstring just big enough for your thongs (or flip flops) so you can wear heels and still walk home!

Custom made for a birthday girl (lady), completed because of the birthday date the contemporary Happy Birthday Polka Dots from The Moda Collection spots, are lined with 80's floral and finished with upholestery fabric handles.

Here is the comment on Bessie's facebook: "I have just received a beautiful Bessie original as a gift and it is fun,funky, and well loved already, thanks".

With Christmas coming I have loads of bags running around in my head..ready for some time to be spend on the machine....

Retro fabric finds

First published April 12, 2010
Here is a sneak peak at the latest bags under construction...2 shabby chic in gorgeous salvaged vintage with grosgrain ribbon and 2 sweet princess designs in contemporary butterflies and embroidered gingham........

Plus some of our latest retro and vintage fabric finds, mostly sourced from op shops. Some are durable furnishing fabric remnants, table linen or part of someone's unwanted stash. 

We hit the beach every day last week, but did find time to update the website. It now has a direct link to our Etsy store and more detailed photos of bags.  Select like on facebook Bessievintageandretrobags page and as a join our members to the website for latest releases.

Our first Mother's Day order for a custom made bag has already come in- a personalised option to suprise your mum or mum in law this year. With school back tomorrow... we are looking forward to building up our stock again ready for Mother's day. Meanwhile, these reclaimed fabrics are ready for transformation, and hopefully you'll soon see them as bags in our store!

Retro and contemporary fabric bags to brighten our winter

Here is the little number I wrote about in the last blog. Salvaged retro teal curtain fabric from our vintage fabric hoard -  made up brilliantly into an art deco style bag. The new owner kindly brought it back to me for a photo. It is just a mini sized purse - for sunnies, keys and wallet. The fabric is just right for bags- furnishing weight so durable and easy to manage.

Another princess handmade fabric bag left my hands for its new owner recently. In contemporary Ballet fabric, we lined it with recycled stripes and added a contrasting pocket. Just for little girls, it has been designed in a mini whimsy style.  With a recycled yellow button for the clasp- a perfect Princess Hannah!

Another long weekend is here - I am looking forward to completing a few more totes!